Dream Within a Dream

by Patricia MacLachlan

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019!

A young girl finds herself—and so much more—during a summer stay with her grandparents in this tender novel from Newbery Award–winning author Patricia MacLachlan.

When Louisa (short for Louisiana) is sent to stay with her grandparents for the summer, she’s not looking forward to it. While her brother is determined to find a way to stay on Deer Island forever, Louisa would rather be off having adventures with their globetrotting ornithographer parents. She’s a writer, and there’s nothing on all of Deer Island to write about—right?

Louisa quickly discovers that small doesn’t necessarily mean quiet , and the island has plenty of scope for the imagination. It also has George, the boy who helps her see the world in a whole new light.

The end of summer is coming fast, and Louisa must decide what she really travel the world with her parents, or stay on Deer Island with the people she’s only just learning to love?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile, Childrens, Romance, Friendship

119 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Patricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silken beauty wrapped in a thin shroud of magic: that's what's Patricia MacLachlan's stories are. Her simple, delicate language is a soothing tonic for anxious or overwrought souls. Eleven-year-old Louisa and her eight-year-old brother Theo spend every summer on Deer Island with their grandmother, Boots, and grandfather, Jake, while their parents travel the world observing rare birds in their natural habitat. Deer Island is quiet, with few residents to mar one's communion with nature, and Louisa enjoys her time there. Lately, Jake is losing his eyesight to macular degeneration, and Louisa worries how he'll adjust when he can no longer drive his own car, a pastime he takes pride in. He and Boots will make do somehow, she's sure, but Louisa's attention is drawn away from Jake's problem by George, a local islander her age she'd never met or even knew about. Louisa and George take a liking to each other, and Louisa finds herself more excited about this summer than any other.

Despite his young age, George regularly comes to the house for driving lessons from Jake, and Boots diplomatically pretends not to notice. George is enamored of Louisa's untamed, brilliant red hair, which he unabashedly calls "beautiful" shortly after they meet. Louisa catches herself taking long glances in the mirror afterward. Is her hair truly beautiful? Is she beautiful? She never considered the possibility. Boots and Jake first met when they weren't much older than Louisa and George, and in hindsight they recognize that love bloomed sooner than either of them understood. Sometimes when you meet a soulmate, the fit is instantaneous and perfect. George invites Louisa to his house for dinner, where she meets his father (Eliasi) and mother (Willa), both from Tanzania, Africa. Besides being as gentle and artistic as George, their skin is as dark or darker than his, and their island life is infused with aspects of their cultural heritage. Louisa could easily pass a pleasant summer in this family's company.

Georgia, George's English teacher on Deer Island, is taking on a special project: she's going to paint portraits of several islanders for an exhibit, with a few lines of original poetry to accompany each picture. Are Louisa and George willing to visit the islanders and compose poetry that gives a window into their souls? Secretly a passionate writer, Louisa agrees to travel the island with George and converse with people. As she and George become closer, sharing artistic insight into the minds of family members and neighbors, Louisa dreads the end of summer, when her parents will return and she'll have to say goodbye to Deer Island for a year. Her little brother Theo is way ahead of her; his attitude toward the island has matured this summer. He loves it as his true home, something he's never had with parents who pursue research destinations around the globe. After Louisa, George, Boots, and Jake make him his very own mini library in the house, where he can dive into excellent stories to his heart's content, Theo feels his tolerance for a nomadic lifestyle has run its course. Can he convince his parents to let him live on the island permanently? Does Louisa also want to stay, or is the enchantment of her first summer with George clouding her rational mind? "Something" will happen to resolve the issue, Boots assures Theo. And "something" certainly does.

I try to emulate Patricia MacLachlan's style perhaps more than any writer's, but some of her books are too quiet to make an impact. The words are warm and comforting when you're inside them, but soon dissipate without leaving any reminder why they made you feel that way. Unclaimed Treasures, Waiting for the Magic, White Fur Flying, The Truth of Me, and Fly Away are examples of this, and so is Dream Within a Dream. I like reading them, but they don't impact me as Patricia MacLachlan's best novels do. I might consider two and a half stars for Dream Within a Dream, and if you love the author's style, set aside time for this book. You'll be glad you did.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved every book by MacLachlan - I look forward to them every time I know they are coming out, but this one just didn’t hit me like her others. I think I was distracted by the love story between two of the very young characters. All I could think of was the youngsters who love her books reading this and having this mini love story catch them off guard. I just don’t think our very young readers look for this romance or need it in their beginning chapter book reading. So although I liked the tender story of these two kids growing up - I felt like the love story was forced and unnecessary in a book for such young readers. I rated it low only for that reason - otherwise I didn’t mind it - it just didn’t catch me like hers usually do.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dream Within a Dream is another introspective and gentle middle grade novella from Patricia MacLachlan. Though the writing is, as always, of very high quality, the story of this book seems to follow a formula MacLachlan has established in her recent works. Like several of her other titles, this one focuses on the relationship between a child (named Louisiana, of all things) and her grandparents, one of whom, in this case, is going blind. Also like her other titles, this one involves parents who have left their children behind in order to travel for career pursuits. This one attempts to do something a bit different by introducing a sort-of romance plot between the main character and a boy from the neighborhood, but this aspect of the plot doesn't really work for the audience, and the scenes where they go on "dates" read as though the author herself isn't quite sure how she wants their relationship to be understood by the reader. The best parts of the book involve the discussion of books, and the fact that George, Louisiana's new friend and crush, has his own library and helps Lousiana's brother build one of his own. But this is one of the only things that happens in this book, and it's not going to be enough action to engage a lot of the readers who might otherwise gravitate toward the large-type format and slim size of a book like this. After years of reading MacLachlan's books and enjoying them myself as an adult, I still struggle to imagine the young reader who can appreciate them, but I will certainly have my oldest daughter try one in another year or two when the subject matter is a bit more suitable to her age.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so soothing and familiar about MacLachlan's writing. It feels like coming home. The way so much is said with so few words. The deep relationships and the wisdom. Persevering through tough times together. This story of Louisiana and her brother Theo as they spend the summer on an island with their grandparents is in its own way as moving as Sarah Plain and Tall. Will introduce this iconic author to another wave of middle grade readers.

A big thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was gonna be a 2 star until the last 30%. Kissing and “I love you” saying kids is a little disturbing. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Sarah Lawton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really, really well done. I love Patricia McLachlan's style of writing, and this was no exception. I read it within an hour, since once I started, I was so absorbed in the story that I couldn't stop.
I may not recommend it for boys or younger readers, because of the romance content, but as a hopeless romantic myself, I loved it.
All in all, a beautifully told masterpiece.

[Kate Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet, meaningful story! I loved the theme of loving others while taking care of yourself, the art woven through the story, and the "projects" different characters take on.

The moment when Louisa was mad at George for understanding her so well was so real too.

While it's not the most memorable of this author's books, it did wrap me up in a cozy hug as I read. 🤍

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream Within a Dream by Patricia MacLachlan, 119 pages. Margaret K. Elderry Books (Simon & Schuster), 2019. $17. 9781534429598


Content: Language: G (0 "swears"); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Louisiana and her brother, Theo, are spending the summer on Deer Island with their grandparents as they do every year. But this year things are changing--her brother doesn't want to leave, her grandpa's eyesight is starting to go, and Louisa meets a new boy named George. As the summer speeds by, Louisa builds new relationships and learns to trust that the right thing will work out amidst all the change.

This book was a breath of fresh air when it comes to nice, optimistic stories. The story is written with a happy innocence that was almost hard to swallow at times, but overall it has a wonderful warmth to it that you can't really complain about. I did struggle mightily with the encouragement her grandparents gave Louisa's budding relationship with George considering she is not even 12, but maybe younger readers will just accept it happily. As to content there is nothing to report--100% clean in every way. Really, the most wholesome book I've read in a while.

Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too concise for me. I felt like every other sentence was missing... and I felt like I was filling in the gaps inaccurately. You know who this would be good for? Reluctant readers: those bright kids who have so much going on in their lives and in their own minds that they don't have a lot of patience for sitting down with other people's words.

[Ammie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really not interested in reading about and 11 year old falling in love. I just had this discussion with a friend today, that encouraging young preteens to "fall in love" is a recipe for disaster. It sets them up to see love as failing and temporary. No thank you.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet family story you want to hug close (a hallmark of MacLachlan) complete with characters you feel like you already know and a dog or two, all within a hundred pages. So sad this wonderful author died last month.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Patricia MacLachlan's short books. They are almost poetry...and this one has poetry in it. It is a sweet love story -- the 12 year-old main characters fall in love, the grandparents share a long life of love, the parents love travel and adventure...but mostly it is a story about a love of PLACE...the island.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was just nothing special. There wasn't a lot of great meaning. I don't like kid romances. I hated what the main character decided to do in the end, and I didn't find myself like anyone that much. This book was essentially just a repeat of almost all of this author's other books.

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CUTEST LITTLE BOOK EVER!!! I sometimes wish that I had met someone at a really young age and we gotten married (soulmates). And as old as I am I still believe in such but to just have that part of my life be over in a sense cause dating is literally exhausting AND for the birds lol— so much so, I’m on a sabbatical with no end in sight— I call it a man fast but when I think it over, I’ve really detached for everyone who was unsure of their role in my life or vice versa.

Ok, so this book is about two youngins who literally meet and know that they are to be together. They are of different races & culture but their spirits seem to speak to one another and I really enjoyed that. Not to mention that everyone around them are operating in the same space. The grandparents of the young lady are soulmates and the parents of the young man are soulmates.

There are so many levels to this very short book, be it the familial relationships, the neighborly one or even the relationship that transpires between man and beast— everyone has a connection with either someone or something and they are all teaching each other. If I am blessed with children someday I wish to pour love into them so that they will in turn do the same to the world. When you realize that everyone is going through something and all it takes is a little love in the moment you can truly move mountains!

Finally, my favorite couple in to book are the grandparents who have lived and seen the best and bestest 😎 parts of one another and they are still in love! I want a lifetime with someone like this— none of that, “idk what I want so let’s be together but apart...” nah, I just think that if two people choose to be together then they should also choose daily to see it through; good or not so good. I’m an eternal optimist and I have no real insight on life though. I’m just a youngin but LISTEN, do yourself a favor and read this— it is for sure a dream!! 💚💚💚 tops!

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read a NetGalley digital ARC of this middle grade novel in exchange for a review. This book tells the story of Louisa’s summer on Deer Island with her brother, her grandparents, and a budding romance with George. Each summer, Louisa’s parents leave her and her brother with their grandparents as they travel around the world studying and photographing birds in their habitats. This summer, Louisa becomes aware of her grandfather’s failing eyesight, her growing attachment to the island and its people, and her affectionate feelings for George, whose parents met in Tanzania. As the summer begins to wind down, Louisa realizes that she really doesn’t want to leave. Young readers will enjoy finding out if she and her brother, Theo, will be able to figure out a way to be able to stick around.

Since we’re in the midst of a cold and nasty winter, it definitely is a nice escape to read about Louisa’s summer on an island. But it’s also nice to read about friendships based on a mutual love of books, art, and a community of people that enjoy helping each other and playing together. Louisa is getting older and as her romantic feelings for George become more acute and confusing, her family is very supportive and understanding of her developing relationship with the boy. There is some kissing and some tender moments, but the romance is very appropriate for kids in grades five and up.

This book will be coming out in May. So, this will be just in time for some good summertime reading. I am sure that there will be lots of kids enjoying it during their vacations.

[Maranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream Within a Dream by Patricia MacLachlan is a juvenile fiction book for 3-4 graders. 

Every summer, Louisa (short for Louisiana) and her brother go to stay with their grandparents on a small island, while their parents track down and study rare birds. Louisa doesn't like change but this summer something feels different. 

Her brother is determined to stay on the island past the summer and Louisa makes a new friend, who makes her see the island in a new way. Something is about to happen. But what?

This book is short, sweet and calming.This is the first book I've read by this author in a long time.  MacLachlan writes about a girl and her family, specifically the relationship Louisa has with her aging grandparents. The story is written from Louisa's point of view, which explains the short sentences and introspective nature of the book. 

The story has a sense of calm, even when a bad storm hits the island. This may turn off some readers, who I could see becoming bored by the lack of action. But the book has a small town feel and it is probably the definition of an "easy read."

There is a hint of romance between George and Louisa; more a sense of what's to come as they grow up than anything actually romantic. I wouldn't say it is quite a coming of age novel, maybe a pre-coming of age. 

This was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed. I don't think it'll wow anyone but it was pleasant in its calming nature. This one gets a 3.5-4 stars from me.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Patricia MacLachlan's latest novella. It follows a similar format used in her more recent books with their simple but carefully chosen words and a main child protagonist. The main character of this story is a young girl named Louisiana (Louise for short) and her brother Theo. Their parents have been traveling for work and have left them to spend the summer with their grandparents, one of whom is losing his eyesight. Louise meets a neighbor boy named George who immediately becomes her friend and crush. As the summer comes to an end, Louise and Theo begin to worry that they will have to leave their grandparents' home that they have grown to love.

I've always enjoyed Patricia MacLachlan's books, both as a kid and now as an adult. This one didn't really stick with me as much as the others did, mainly because of the love story going on between George and Louise. It was cute and all but it isn't something that was really a part of MacLachlan's previous works; I think the closest the topic of romance came up in her books was in an older title called Unclaimed Treasures. Still, it was an enjoyable read as always, and told with great insight from the perspective of kids.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louisiana (Louisa) and her brother spend every summer with their grandparents on Deer Island. Their father is an ornithologist and their mother is a photographer. Every year they travel around the world watching and documenting birds, so this is when Louisa and her little brother Theo get to spend quality time with their grandparents. Deer Island is a magical place; their grandparents have a farm on the water and the kids spend their days swimming, reading books, taking long walks along the shore and talking with their grandparents, Boots (because she wears books almost every day) and Jake. This year is a little different however; Jake's eyesight is failing. No one knows how much longer he will be able to drive his beloved car. Louisa worries about her grandfather, and she worries about Theo, who doesn't want to go back to the mainland at the end of this summer. And then there's George - the neighbor boy, who makes Louisa feel beautiful. Louisa doesn't like change, but there's going to be a lot of it this summer. This sweet novel will appeal to girls from grades 3-7.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this autobook on my library app just for something to listen to while I garden or clean. I didn't even read what it was about. I knew the author well enough to believe it would be a nice story. It wasn't a nice story. It was much more than that. This is a soulful, charming , beautiful story. Simply told but not without heart and depth. The narrator helped a lot. She read the story as if it was her own. There is a beautiful picture of real romance in this book without being an actual love story . This book is like having a new friend share a beautiful time in her life in detail that makes you almost feel like you lived it. Somehow right away you care about these characters which is no easy thing for me that normally takes time. Within three minutes I had a feeling I had stubble on a gem.

[Chrisanne]

This book seemed like one of those self-fulfilling projects that you can only do once you've made a name for yourself. I wanted to like it (McLachlan deserved her Newberry for Sarah) but ultimately didn't. And I'm rather beat up about it.

I couldn't find the why for the story to exist. It's not really about race, family, or love. Nor could I buy the need for a 12-yr-old to fall in love. And I really think that it should be a Mary Poppins-esque tale. It certainly seemed that way at the end. But it wasn't. And libraries never let 12-yr-olds head up community projects. Heavens, there are too many adults, usually, clamoring to do that sort of thing.

I loved the caprese salad and fish though. I want that meal... like now. Tonight. For dinner.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, Judy read this to me while we were traveling; across several trips because we rarely take long trips. This was being recommended to a young library patron while I happened to be at the counter checking out some other materials. Since Judy and I both love "kiddy lit," a term left over from our days in Elementary Education at UC, and since we have a flock/herd/mob of grandkids we are always looking for more books to recommend to them. This was written by the author of "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and was a wonderful read.
I have since recommended this to others, who also thoroughly enjoyed it. Read it yourself before reading it to your kids/grandkids. I would say that the target audience (other than adults like us) is upper middle-school.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air when it comes to nice, optimistic stories. The story is written with a happy innocence that was almost hard to swallow at times, but overall it has a wonderful warmth to it that you can't really complain about. I did struggle mightily with the encouragement her grandparents gave Louisa's budding relationship with George considering she is not even 12, but maybe younger readers will just accept it happily. As to content there is nothing to report--100% clean in every way. Really, the most wholesome book I've read in a while.

Review previously published at kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Maclachlan is one of my favorite authors. All of her books have a simple sweetness, a sort of whimsical wisdom. So I was super excited to see a new book of hers. This was another fun, sweet story. Louisiana and her brother Theo are staying with their family for the summer. While they are there, they learn about each other and their family.
Their family is changing. Diseases is taking root. New friends are appearing. Louisa learns about the island in a new way, she meets the people who make it special.
This is a book for almost everyone. It is a children’s book, so kids can read it. Most likely after age 8 or so. But it is touching and sweet for anyone.

[J. Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this book. I finished it in one sitting. This realistic fiction story is about Louisiana, an 11-year-old girl who is visiting her grandparents who live on an island for the summer, while her parents are off doing scientific research for their professions. Louisa, as she is called, makes new friends, grows in her confidence to express herself artistically, and falls in love for the first time. This book is told so naturally, so peacefully, and makes readers truly feel good reading it. I was sorry for the story to end.

[Leonard Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I try to make time for new books by, say, Katherine Paterson, Sharon Creech, Cynthia Voigt, Susan Cooper, writers of children’s books who were born in the 30s and 40s still writing today, and I usually appreciate them. But this is the 4th book of Patricia MacLachlan’s written in the last 10 years that I’ve read, and I’ve not given more than 2 Goodreads stars to any of them. I guess MacLachlan’s recent work is just not for me, especially as the approach here is somewhat DiCamillo, and I had just read Beverly, Right Here.

[Casle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a librarian I had so many different kinds of kids looking to me for what to read next. This is a book I would hand to the most thinking children. Love happens to young people too, to pretend it doesn't is ostrich-y. The love/friendship between George and Louisiana is beautiful and a reflection of the adults in their lives who know how to love. Grabbed this book with my first cup of tea this morning and finished it along with my pot of tea.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Even when there are serious matters MacLachlan always seems to be able to tell a gentle story. I do, however, think that the dialog between the children is a bit unrealistic for this day and age (she mentions cell phones so I assume it is current). I do have a few patrons who enjoy more gentle stories so I know I have an audience at my library. I just wonder how long MacLachlan will be relevant in a big city library.

[Elsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well-written and interesting, but I'm uneasy about kissing books about 12-year-olds. I'm especially uneasy about kissing books about 12-year-olds for 12-year-old readers.

Sadly, the book would have worked just fine if the protagonist and her love interest were 16, so it didn't need to be this way.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a really nice book about finding one's community. I especially liked the friendly, hands-on culture of the island setting. People looked out for each other and lived good lives that centered around nourishing food, strong community, dancing, and books. I would happily live with these people on this island.

[Nicole Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial thoughts: this one was super cute. The writing was lovely and beautiful and felt very calming & lyrical. The characters were warm & I loved falling into this story. This is definitely a comfort read. The only thing holding me back is that I’m not quite sure how young readers (who this book is written for) would like this one. Otherwise a heart warming, quick read.